Review: The Pigeon and the Peacock, Little Angel Theatre

Little Angel Theatre (LAT) is not only a puppet theatre but a charitable organisation. Founded in 1961 it brings creativity and expression to the local community in Islington. A partnership with Feathered Fables Theatre provides a home for the elegantly written The Pigeon and the Peacock, which tells the story of a humble pigeon and its journey to share poetry with its feathered community. LAT’s Studio space is the relaxed cocoon/nest in which our story unfolds. It is a black box auditorium with cushioned seating, allowing adults and young people to sprawl or sit as they wish.

As the music (composed by Miranda Lewis-Brown) commences, a silence descends. Lewis-Brown is ably partnered on keyboard/vocals by Tereza Catarov, who brings haunting vocals and synergy to this piece. Together they deliver a fusion of classical, jazz and neo classical new age styles to enchant and engage the audience. The music provides a melodic vehicle that transports us on our journey with this intrepid pigeon through avid learning, adversity, disguise and emergence. There are moments where Lewis-Brown’s narration is overwhelmed by the voice of the cello, which is the only detraction in this experience.

The story blends poetic phrasing and elegant language to convey the pigeon’s journey and explore themes of self-confidence and empathy. The use of music, language and creative theatre is inspirational, providing opportunity for everyone to see what can be achieved with words, music and teamwork.

The magical mastery of the puppeteers, Soledad Zarate and Bori Mezo, is breathtaking. The entire company of talented young women are simply clad in dark clothing. Their lack of obfuscation is captivating, using a suitcase swathed in velvet, music stands, and indeed musicians as part of their landscape. They traverse the stage fluidly, disappearing and re-emerging from behind the oak tree, with both marionettes and glove puppets. Their soft tones are hypnotic and soothing, inviting everyone to not just to listen to the story, but to feel it.

Observing the audience, it was fascinating to see how captivated everyone became with the motions and characterisation of each bird. There were tear-inducing moments as young audience members were encouraged to mime and feed the pigeon, and to append birds to the oak tree. Their young faces were alight with wonder and delight. The safe environment created by the company is welcoming and the experience moves at such a gentle pace that everyone can engage in their own way. Whispered questions by a youngster curious about the strings of the marionette, the coo of the youngest audience member in appreciation of the story and the wide-eyed discovery of creative storytelling without virtual screens all felt remarkable.

At the conclusion of the performance, the company provide opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the creative process, the puppetry and of course, to feed the pigeon once again. It is a sensory engagement with the audience that is wholly immersive and unforgettable.

This thoughtful storytelling invites emotion, conversation and learning, and engages empathy. Within a calm and reflective safe space, young people experience the story of a pigeon and perhaps begin to understand how judgement and appearance can cloud perception. Our pigeon shows how courage and creativity can provide lasting solutions – critical skills for the world in which we live. I hope that the company will continue to tell this story, and others, globally, perhaps using alternate birds for each location, and to record or deliver virtual sessions to those unable to attend in person. This is truly poetry in elegant motion.

Written and composed by: Miranda Lewis-Brown
Directed by: Rachel Warr
Puppet/marionette maker: Sarah Vigars
Puppeteers: Soledad Zarate and Bori Mezo
Produced by: Feathered Fables Theatre

The Pigeon and the Peacock is aimed at ages 5-11 years and plays at Little Angel Theatre as part of the Children’s Puppet Festival until Thursday 21 August.